Standish-Sterling Community Schools Superintendent no longer finalist for position in Marysville

STANDISH — Standish-Sterling Community Schools Superintendent Michael Dodge was recently a finalist for the superintendent position at Marysville Public Schools, but is no longer being considered, Dodge said confirming rumors that he has been seeking another position.

Consultant for the Michigan Association of School Boards Rich Ramsey said the Marysville Board of Education reduced its number of finalists from three to two.

“They decided to move on without Mr. Dodge,” he said.

Dodge interviewed at the school Oct. 19, and was one of three finalists selected after a first round of interviews was completed on Oct. 12.

Dodge confirmed that he has also applied for superintendent positions, since January, at Redford Union Schools, Northwest Community Schools, Mt. Morris Consolidated Schools, South Lake Schools, Fenton Area Public Schools, and said he removed his name from consideration from Bad Axe Public Schools.

Dodge also disputed an article from The Daily News of Greenville, Belding, and Montcalm counties, that he was a finalist for the superintendent position at Vestaburg Community Schools, saying he never applied for the position.

Dodge said there are a number of reasons why he has been applying for a new position. He said one of those reasons was to be closer to his family and 5-month-old grandchild.

“When my grandson was born, it changes my position on life,” he said. “My family is important to me, and my career is important to me.”

Dodge said he has been applying for positions for about a year, but added that his search has become more serious in the since the birth of his grandchild.

“I want to get into a position where I can improve my status in my job,” he said. “I am very happy with where I am at.”

Dodge said he plans to continue to try to improve the Standish-Sterling Community Schools District.

“My goal is to continue to do a good job here,” he said. “I am proud of the things I have accomplished. I enjoy my job.”

Dodge was selected as the superintendent for Standish-Sterling Community Schools in March 2007.

Dodge’s job history includes being the high school principal at Center Line Public Schools, high school principal in Saginaw Township Community Schools, high school principal for the Swartz Creek Community Schools, high school principal at Altherton Community Schools, assistant high school and elementary principal of Dexter Community Schools, and a teacher in both the Saginaw Public Schools and Bentley Community Schools.